Helping students to thrive once they leave university is the aim of a new package of support announced by Sheffield Hallam University

Press contact: Greg Mattocks-Evans | g.mattocks-evans@shu.ac.uk

The ‘Class of 2021’ offer, specially designed to address the challenges our final year student will face as they graduate, gives access to a huge range of activities, resources and services to help them get noticed by graduate employers, find a job, hone their skills and look after their wellbeing.

As well as access to specialist careers advice, graduate jobs and paid internships with local businesses, students will also receive exclusive discounts on postgraduate courses if they wish to continue their studies.

Full support is also provided for enterprising students who want to start their own business, including access to funding, a dedicated start-up adviser, and online networking opportunities.

Wellbeing support is also a key part of the package, with students able to access TogetherAll - an online community to help them manage their health and wellbeing and one-to-one or group sessions with specially trained wellbeing practitioners.

Esther Kent, Head of Academic and Strategic Employability at Sheffield Hallam University said: “We recognise that the Covid-19 pandemic leaves our upcoming graduates facing a particularly challenging job market.

“That is why we want to give our students all the support they need so that they can apply the wealth of skills and knowledge they have acquired at Sheffield Hallam, really stand out to employers and thrive in their future career.”

All graduates also benefit from joining the Hallam Collective, a global network of Hallam alumni with full access to volunteering opportunities, online library resources and events.

Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business and Enterprise said: “This year’s graduates will be more enterprising and entrepreneurial than ever before as they find creative ways to overcome the career challenges of the pandemic. This package of support will help them thrive in the current economy and reshape the future.”